The Great Game of Politics

1. The Great Game of Politics “It was not Virginia that wanted a governor but rather a court favorite that wanted a salary” – Junius, a critic of the British government

2. American Contributions to Political Science • 1775: • 8 colonies had royal governors appointed by the King • 3 were under proprietors who chose the governors • 2 elected their own governors under self-governing charters

3. Two House legislative body • The Upper House: Normally appointed by the Crown or the Proprietor • The Lower House: Elected by the voters (landowning white men) • Self Taxation through representation existed throughout the colonies

4. Colonial Assemblies Asserted authority • Colonial assemblies asserted their power in various ways • Some withheld the governors salary until he agreed to abide by their wishes (governors needed money because otherwise they would have just stayed in England)

5. Administration Differed by Region • South: Country government ruled • North: Town-meeting government • Middle: Variety of the two above • Direct Democracy worked best in the town-meeting style of self government because people were able to discuss and vote openly

6. Restrictions on voting • Religious or property qualifications required to vote in all of the thirteen colonies in 1775 • Half of adult white males did not vote however they could rise to the ability to be able to vote if they so chose by acquiring the designated amount of land • While America was not yet a true democracy, it was much more democratic than most of Europe

7. Guiding Questions • What does this structure of government suggest for the future of the American colonies? • How does the system in the colonies differ from the system of government in England? • As a British reporter, what do you want the citizens and government of Great Britain to know about the system of government in the growing American colonies?